As discussed in a previous blog, AI is expected to drive growth in the global economy and the oil and gas industry is no exception. AI is being implemented across the oil and gas value chain and finding uses in everything from exploration to refining. In exploration, AI and machine learning (ML) tools are being […]
Refineries improving margins through better utilization of off-gas streams
Hydrocarbon-rich off-gas streams from distillation, conversion, cracking, and other processes are collected to heat various processes throughout refineries and petrochemical plants. Examples of these off-gas streams include still gas, the top product from a refinery’s distillation column, and steam cracker tail gas, which is composed mostly of methane and hydrogen. Aggregation of these off-gas streams […]
2024 Refining and fuels outlook: A cautious outlook for 2024
The global refining industry had an unexpectedly strong year in 2023 with strong demand recovery especially in diesel and jet fuel and high crack spreads not seen in many years leaving many refiners with strong balance sheets and optimism about the future. Against this context, we anticipate a far more mixed outlook for the refining […]
The “make vs. buy” lesson for Delta and Chesapeake
Ford Motor Company apparently owned the land that fed the sheep whose wool was used to make its car seats. While this is, in fact, an urban legend it brings up a very valuable point. What is more beneficial − make or buy? In other words, should a company invest in owning and operating all […]
Shell may sell its refineries to Essar
Shell is discussing the sale of its three European refineries to Essar, as discussed in a previous post, at $4,000 to $5,000 per barrel of capacity. While valuation will depend on the three refineries’ individual configurations and complexity, the transaction is at a significant discount from the industry’s Golden Age. The three refineries with more […]
European refineries on sale
Several refineries are being sold in Europe — see table below based on Reuters data — because of moderating demand for fuels, the resulting overcapacity, growing share of biofuels, and anticipated expense associated with reducing carbon emissions. It is interesting that most bidders are the emerging economies such as India, China, and Russia, where rapid economic […]
